Important Note: This analysis is based on the provided content from Dexter's Zoning Ordinance. The specific regulatory details for short-term rentals would require access to the complete sections 14-16 (Accessory Short-Term Rental Housing) and 14-17 (Vacation Rental Housing), which were referenced in the table of contents but not included in the provided content.

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Dexter, Michigan?

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Dexter, Michigan through specific provisions in the zoning ordinance. The city has established three distinct categories of short-term rental housing:

1. Bed and Breakfasts (Section 14-15)
2. Accessory Short-Term Rental Housing (Section 14-16)
3. Vacation Rental Housing (Section 14-17)

Based on the ordinance structure, these uses are permitted as either principal uses or special land uses depending on the zoning district and specific circumstances.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Dexter

Initial Steps:

1. Verify Zoning Compliance: Confirm your property is in a zoning district that permits short-term rentals
2. Determine STR Type: Identify which category applies to your intended operation:
   • Bed and Breakfast (typically owner-occupied single-family dwellings)
   • Accessory Short-Term Rental (dwelling unit or portion thereof occupied by permanent resident)
   • Vacation Rental (dwelling unit not occupied by permanent resident)
3. Review Use Requirements: Each type has specific operational requirements and limitations
4. Prepare Application Materials: Compile required documentation based on the specific STR category

Compliance Process:

1. Submit appropriate application for the specific STR use category
2. Complete any required site plan review if applicable
3. Obtain necessary permits and licenses
4. Schedule required inspections
5. Maintain ongoing compliance with operational standards

Required Documents, Permits, and Guidelines

Based on the ordinance structure, the following are typically required:

General Requirements:

• Zoning Compliance Permit (Section 22-04)
• Building Permits if structural modifications are needed (Section 22-05)
• Certificate of Occupancy (Section 22-06)
• Site Plan Review may be required for certain STR types (Article XXI)

Specific STR Documentation:

(Detailed requirements would be found in Sections 14-15, 14-16, and 14-17)

Ongoing Compliance:

• Regular inspections as specified in the ordinance
• Maintenance of property standards (Section 3-07)
• Adherence to parking and access requirements (Article V)
• Compliance with noise, lighting, and nuisance regulations

Specific Regulations by Level

City-Level Regulations (Dexter Zoning Ordinance)

Permitted STR Categories:

1. Bed and Breakfasts (Section 14-15)

   • Typically requires owner occupancy
   • Subject to residential district compatibility standards
   • May have limits on number of guest rooms

2. Accessory Short-Term Rental Housing (Section 14-16)

   • Must be occupied by a Permanent Resident
   • Rented for fewer than 30 consecutive calendar days
   • Cannot be converted to month-to-month rentals to circumvent regulations

3. Vacation Rental Housing (Section 14-17)

   • Not occupied by a Permanent Resident
   • Rented for fewer than 30 consecutive calendar days per rental period
   • Requires a Local Agent for management

Key Definitions from the Ordinance:

• Permanent Resident: A person who occupies the dwelling as their primary residence
• Transient Guests: Temporary occupants for rental periods under 30 days
• Local Agent: A person authorized by the owner to manage the vacation rental

County-Level Regulations

No county-specific regulations were provided in the content. Check with Washtenaw County for any additional requirements.

State-Level Regulations (Michigan)

No specific Missouri state regulations are applicable since this is Dexter, Michigan. For Michigan operations, additional state requirements may include:

• Sales tax collection and remittance
• Income tax reporting
• Any applicable state licensing requirements for hospitality operations

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Dexter - Planning and Zoning Department

Note: Specific contact information was not provided in the content. For accurate contact details, contact:

Primary Contact:

• Zoning Administrator (Section 22-03)
• Planning Commission (oversees zoning amendments and special land uses)

City Hall:

• Address: City of Dexter, Michigan
• Specific address, phone, and email would need to be obtained from city records

Key Departments:

• Building Department (for permits and inspections)
• Code Enforcement (for compliance monitoring)
• City Council (for zoning amendments)

Source Links

1. Primary Zoning Ordinance: dextermi.gov/Boards_Commissions/ZO%20Update%20Subcommittee/Supplemental/2022-11-28-DRAFT_Zoning_Ordinance_10-17-22.pdf

Disclaimer: This guide is based on the partial content provided. For complete and current regulations, consult the full zoning ordinance and contact the City of Dexter directly. Regulations may have been updated since the draft date of October 17, 2022.